For a classic look You can match the tone of your lipstick to the tone of your blusher. This isn’t a rule that you have to follow as lots of colours can work together, but matching two colours like this creates a very harmonious effect and will come across as classic and beautiful.

Avoid anything too shimmery Glitter particles and really shimmery cheek highlighters will pick up on photo as really “greasy looking”. There are plenty of glow enhancers which you can use under foundation (like Mac Strobe Cream or Shu Uemura Base Control) which are not too metallic.

Vintage & The Red Lip – A lot of my brides have wanted to create a classic vintage makeup with a red lip. A red lip can work beautifully on the day. What I will say about this is it is a little more high maintenance.

To make it really last find products to create this that specifically offer longer wear. For example Mac Pro Longwear Lipstick in “Lasting Lust” applied with Pro Longwear Pencil “Kiss Me Quick” is a winner – these two products have been created to stand the test of time and also won’t come off when your running around saying hello to everyone and cheek kissing the family!

If not this type of lippie, I would go for a matte red. Anything with a glossy texture is going to slip off in a few hours and bleed around the lip line. Also keep your eyes softer when wearing this look.

‘Practice’ Wearing Red Lipstick Before The Big Day If you have never tried red lipstick but have been thinking about it for the wedding day – be warned. Start wearing a version of the red a few weeks before the day. It’s like putting on a top hat or a smokey eye makeup for the first time and walking around town – you’ll feel like the centre of attention. It wears you if you don’t wear it. Get used to it first and then on the day you’ll feel in your comfort zone.

Don’t be afraid to use eyeliner and kohl pencil You need to define the shape of the eye so it stands out. If you normally wear a black liquid liner, perhaps try using a small angled brush with a black eyeshadow pressed softly along the lash line – this can give you the effect of definition and strong lashes without looking too much.

However, after doing quite a few trials on many brides, I have discovered some people just can’t go without the liquid line! I am one of them. As long as it is applied well and perhaps focused on just the top lash line, it can still work for a bridal look.

Bridal makeup doesn’t have to be classic 9/10 of my brides want classic makeup. Something that isn’t too loud, that just enhances their natural features. However, there are some brides out there who’s everyday makeup isn’t soft or natural. (Rock and Roll Brides anyone!?) With this makeup you can still create beautifully blended effects using more colours.

The same rules apply! Especially with blending. Make sure the shadow you use on the eyes is blended blended blended. Softening the colours out so they “fade” out into the crease. Stark non blended bright colours can look really harsh. You can still create really amazing makeup with strong colours, just blended out.

Break all the rulesDon’t be afraid to go for brighter, bolder or darker colours for your wedding make up if this is ‘you’.

Fab advice, as always. Thanks Tabby.

That’s so true about that feeling when you wear smokey eyes out during the day, it really does feel like everyone is looking at you. I mainly worry that they think I’m what my gran would refer to as a ‘dirty stop out’ who hasn’t been home from the night before!

Check out Tabby’s awesome make up artistry on her website and visit her blog, The Bridal Stories, where she shares bridal beauty inspiration and her top tips on wedding make up.

So…are you focusing on your eyes or lips for your wedding make up?

Will you be wearing a classic red lip or throwing out the rule book and going for lots of colour?

Elizabeth is the founder of Bridal Musings. She fell head over heels for weddings in 2010 when she married the love of her life. A few of her favourite things include: lace, peonies, travelling, yoga and Haribo cherries.